Rep. Tupola discusses singing, coaching self-confidence and her dissertation (Ph.D.), which she is currently completing. She spent time in Venezuela which inspired her to run for office in the House of Representatives.

Another measure takes it a step farther, legally allowing people to turn their own private land into campgrounds, as long as campers can use permanent bathrooms and kitchens.

“You can even have it on your own home or driveway. You could have a park and sleep instead of a park and ride. Make it legal that people can stay in their cars. The point is: we have to get people off the streets,” said Representative Gene Ward.

Those on the street, agree with lawmakers: the more solutions the better.

“I think it is a good idea, but I also think people need a lot more help than they can get from the state,” said homeless resident Justin Oliver.

As lawmakers look at other ideas, time may also be ticking down on the state’s single solution of housing first for Hawaii’s homeless.

“They are working passionately to solve the problem but if we don’t see a giant change in the numbers, we’re going to have to use someone else’s plan,” stated Green.

“We thank Representative Fukumoto for her service to the caucus. However, we believe that it is time for the minority to take a new direction.”

“There is a lot our caucus agrees on, and I look forward to highlighting the strength of each member, helping them champion the issues important to them. I look forward to serving our caucus and bringing our voice to the forefront of the conversation addressing of our State’s rising cost of living, increase in homelessness, unfunded liabilities, and many other quality of life issues.”

“We need to rise to the occasion and gather with every department, legislator, union, business, or community member that is willing to work towards positive change.”

Convention of States Town Hall Meeting Jan. 2017. Representative Bob McDermott (H District 40 Ewa, Ewa Beach, Ewa Gentry, Iroquois Point) leads Hawaii’s delegates in a discussion of the historic simulated Convention of States in Williamsburg, VA. Guest panel members: Mark White, State Director of the Convention of States and Lynn Finnegan, Analysis of the Convention of States.

About the Convention of States:
Citizens concerned for the future of their country, under a federal government that’s increasingly bloated, corrupt, reckless and invasive, have a constitutional option. We can call a Convention of States to return the country to its original vision of a limited federal government that is of, by and for the people.